Description:This book is an eminently readable introduction to structure and bonding in transition metal chemistry. Owing to its non- mathematical and highly visual approach, it is one of the most accessible texts on the role of the valence shell in d-block chemistry. Topics covered include * stability and reactivity of transition metal compounds in their various oxidation states * spectroscopic properties * magnetic properties Additional details and special topics are discussed in boxed sections within the text. This book will be invaluable to students and instructors alike for its non-mathematical account of key concepts and as a source of explanations and references to sources of further information.